United Way may not reach goal

United Way/ Centraide of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry has reached 60 per cent of its $707,070 goal for the 2014 Annual Campaign, but is concerned that the target may not be reached.

“We are always grateful for the generosity of our Community and we hope that spirit of giving and caring will carry us through this year too!” said Danny Aikman, Board President. This sentiment is felt by all of the volunteers on the Board of Directors and Campaign Team, but the organization is realistically looking at the numbers and is concerned it is not on track to reach the Campaign goal by next Friday.

“We are extremely thankful for the money that has been contributed so far”, said Nolan Quinn, 2014 Campaign Chair. “We very much need to reach our goal to ensure we have the best and most significant impact in our community. We fundraise so that our agencies can concentrate on what is important – running programs to help those who need it most. Our volunteers and staff are motivated and moving forward with strategies to close the gap, and we are hoping our Community can help us to reach the end successfully”.

The organization has one week remaining to reach the 2014 target. 16 agencies provide 19 programs, directly impact the lives of thousands of local residents. Proceeds from the yearly campaign stay local and fund programs which assist people throughout SDG. The organization is not discounting the possibility of extending the Campaign end date in order to achieve its objective.

“We thank everyone who Believes in Community and chooses to give a gift to those who need it most”, said Lori Greer, Executive Director. “No amount is too small to give. If you would like to empty your change jar and bring it to the office, we will gladly accept it. Every donation helps us to help your neighbours, family and friends in our Community”.

Contributions to the 2014 Annual Campaign can be made online at unitedwaysdg.com, by mail or in person at 405 Fourth Street West, P.O. Box 441, Cornwall K6H 5T2, and also by calling 613-932-2051 to donate by credit card. Donations of $25 or more enters you into a draw for a $3,000 gift certificate for Algonquin Travel, supported by Bell.

The United Way of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry is governed by a local Board of Directors, who, with United Way staff and volunteers help to raise funds that assist 16 agencies (19 programs) throughout Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

Its is to improve lives by working together with priorities focused on moving people from poverty to possibility, healthy people, strong communities and all that kids can be. For more information on United Way/Centraide SD&G, or to donate, visit unitedwaysdg.com.

Related Articles

WILLIAMSBURG – The rain held off and 10 teams held on here Saturday to raise $5,045 for the Dundas County District Chapter of Easter Seals Ontario. That brings the 12 year total of the Brian and Tracey Shaver organized ball hockey tournament to over $40,000, an amount the Shavers and all of the ball hockey players are very proud of.

This year’s double knock out event attracted 10 teams, down one from last year’s record 11 teams.

For the third consecutive year, it was the James Morrell entry finishing as the champs. Playing for the Morrell team were Kelly Morrell, Laura MacDonnell, Lindsay Waddell, Dave Summers, Greg Millard, James Morrell, Adrian Glauser, Daniel Glauser and Colin Moran (goalie).

For this year’s win, the Morrells knocked off Team Francis which included Andrea Francis, Scott Francis, Jamie Francis, Adam Schofield, Chelsea Seguin, Debby Berwick-Seguin, Will Mclean and Paul Flaro.

Money is raised for Easter Seals through pledges, with each player asked to collect a minimum $25 in pledges. Getting the most pledges this year was Jason Rooney at $475.

The Dundas County Chapter of Easter Seals assists children living in Dundas County with physical disabilities.

The Chapter counts annually on three major fundraisers, the ball hockey tournament, Snowarama and a blooperball tournament along with the annual Easter Seals Paper Egg Campaign.

The Dundas Chapter now consists of just four committee members and it assists 14 children living in Dundas County.

“We need this [successful ball hockey tournament] because we are down in events, and we are a small committee,” said secretary Harriet Clarke. “As always the community has been very generous with our prizes today and Brian and Tracey [Shaver] do a wonderful job. It is a lot of work. Brian and Tracey do this out of the goodness of their heart. They deserve the credit and a huge pat on the back.”

According to Chapter Chair, Ian MacLaughlin, the group is looking for volunteers. “This would allow us to diversify and to take on more activities.”

“We would like to make more people in the Dundas County Community aware of us and what we do. We would also like to reach out to the parents out there who don’t know they can access us.

To find out more about the District Council for Easter Seals, local residents can contact any member of the committee. In addition to MacLaughlin and Clarke, they include Bob Ruddock and Deanna MacKillican.

Every year from the last Friday in October until November 11, Remembrance Day, all Royal Canadian Legions conduct the Poppy Campaign, one of the most important campaigns in the Legion year.

On Sunday, November 3, the 1st Iroquois Scouts joined members of Branch # 370 in canvassing the community of Iroquois in support of the annual Poppy drive.

For over three centuries, Canada has relied on her sons and daughters to answer the call when Canada has had to face the horror and tragedy of war.

The poppy has been a symbol of Remembrance since 1921. Following the Napoleonic Wars, the red flower was associated with the graves of soldiers. Colonel John McCrae’s famous 1915 poem, written in the trenches of World War I, however, brought national attention to the poppy. The Great War Veterans Association officially adopted the poppy as the flower of Remembrance in July, 1921.

“We ask our fellow citizens, during this campaign to donate money to support the services we provide at the Legion, and to clearly show their recognition of the debt owned to those Canadians who gave their lives for our freedom,” said Darlene Riddell of the Iroquois Legion. “The money raised is put into a public trust fund and used to support ex-service personnel and their families, but also to support community needs and services.”

The Scouts are proud to join with the Legion in the Poppy Drive, according to cub leader, Nancy Richer.

“The Legion has supported us for many years. Helping them canvas is just a small way of saying thank you to them for all they have done for us,” she said.

The Scouts were presented with a certificate of appreciation by poppy chair, Beverly Poore, who recently retired following a career with the Canadian army. The Scouts also received a cheque from president Ralph Martin, which will help the Cubs and Scouts continue to run their programs and camps.

“We rely on the youth of our community to come forward and lend a helping hand,” Riddell said.

The Iroquois Legion will be holding its Remembrance Day services at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, at the Legion, followed by the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph.

The community is invited to attend the ceremony, to once again show that “we do not forget.”